Biography

Darren Michael Soto, born on February 25, 1978, in Ringwood, New Jersey, is an American attorney and Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 9th congressional district since January 3, 2017. He is the first Floridian of Puerto Rican descent elected to Congress. Before his tenure in the U.S. House, Soto served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2007 to 2012 and the Florida State Senate from 2012 to 2016. Throughout his legislative career, he has been a strong advocate for environmental protection, healthcare access, and the rights of immigrants.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rutgers University
  • Juris Doctor from George Washington University School of Law

• Political Experience:

  • Representative, U.S. House of Representatives, Florida's 9th District
  • Senator, Florida State Senate, District 14
  • Representative, Florida House of Representatives, District 49

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Legislative Accomplishments:

  • Passed legislation designating the National Pulse Memorial to honor the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.
  • Authored the Billfish Conservation Act to protect marine life.
  • Secured over $1 billion in COVID-19 pandemic relief for his district, including stimulus checks, small business loans, and housing assistance.
  • Led efforts to secure $233 million for Orlando International Airport upgrades under the Infrastructure Law.

• Committee Assignments:

  • Member, House Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Member, House Committee on Agriculture

• Caucus Memberships:

  • Chair of the Future Forum Caucus
  • Vice Chair of Policy, Congressional Hispanic Caucus
  • Member, New Democrat Coalition
  • Member, Problem Solvers Caucus
  • Member, Congressional Progressive Caucus
  • Member, LGBTQ Equality Caucus

Soto continues to focus on issues such as environmental conservation, healthcare reform, and the advancement of technology and innovation in Central Florida.